Rivers people are not political slaves’ — Atiku replies Wike

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has responded to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, saying the people of Rivers State are intelligent enough to decide who they will vote for in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku said no individual, no matter how influential, can control or determine how an entire state will vote.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had earlier claimed that Atiku would not get up to 10 percent of the votes in the state during the 2027 election.

He made the statement at a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State.

Reacting to the comment, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Wike’s remarks show growing concern within President Bola Tinubu’s camp over the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC.

Shaibu said Nigerians are more worried about the rising cost of living, insecurity, and economic hardship than political predictions made by government officials.

He described Wike’s statement as both amusing and troubling, saying the minister was acting as if Rivers voters belong to him.

“The people of Rivers State are not political slaves. They are independent-minded Nigerians who will make their decisions based on the challenges facing the country and the future they want for their children. No one can dictate how they will vote,” Shaibu said.

He added that instead of making predictions about the 2027 election, Wike should explain why many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, why businesses are closing, and why insecurity remains a major concern.

According to Shaibu, the 2027 election will be a judgment on the policies of the current administration and those who support them.

He said Atiku remains focused on building a broad national coalition aimed at improving the economy, strengthening security, and promoting national unity.

Shaibu expressed confidence that when the election comes, Nigerians, including Rivers residents, will vote based on performance, competence, and their hopes for a better future.

He concluded that political intimidation and grandstanding would not influence the will of the people.